A Dental implant is a small titanium fixture that is placed in the jaw bone to replace the root of the tooth. This is made of medical grade titanium and is frequently restored with a crown or bridge once the dental implant has integrated with the surrounding bone. This procedure, also known as an Implant-supported crown or bridge, is now widely acknowledged as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth globally. In situations where a patient is fully edentulous or have no more teeth and has a full lower denture is unretentive or loose, there is the possibility to incorporate dental implants in the lower jaw bone to help retain the dentures better. This treatment is known as an Implant-Retained Denture.

There are 2 main ways to replace missing teeth.
Fixed Prosthesis – Implant-supported crown/bridge, Dental bridge
Removable Prosthesis – Denture

An Implant is superior to the above options as it is minimally invasive and does not require us to drill the adjacent teeth to fabricate a dental bridge and it will also not be possible for a dental implant to have dental decay. In addition, because the titanium fixture is fused to the bone, the dental implant will not be mobile in the mouth and move when we are speaking or talking, unlike dentures.

However, please take note that there are several conditions that would need to be fulfilled in order for a successful implant treatment.
– Age of about 21 where the bone of jaw has reached full growth
– Have sufficient bone at the site of missing tooth (Otherwise, a bone grafting procedure might be needed)
– Have a healthy periodontal (gum tissues)
– Generally good health
– Able to commit time as the dental implant process will take a few months

Dental Implants have a high success rate and can last for a long time. However, just as a tooth can be cracked and be lost due to poor oral hygiene, dental implants can also fail due to biological or mechanical reasons. Bacteria infection of the gum and bone around the implant can lead to peri-implantitis and eventual loss of the implant. Bruxism or grinding of teeth and repeated biting of hard substances can also cause the dental implant to fracture. With proper care and regular review, we will be able to help you maintain the dental implant and ensure that it can continue to last.